TAGS: EveryoneFrom the darkness of space surrounding the four planets of Sub-Sector Marchionn Secunda, a single black thunderhawk emerged, soaring straight for the flickering lights of Vyriem, the Hive World and Capital of the Sub-Sector.“Thunderhawk Ironblade transmitting. Vyriem Imperial Control, respond.” A black clad Space Marine sat in the piloting seat, sporting a single silver arm with the markings of the Inquisition, and a bright green shoulderpad with a black rim, bearing the symbol of the Aurora chapter.“This is Flight Lieutenant Morris. Thank the Emperor you have come, my lords. The orks have been pushing at our lines. I’m not sure how long the troops out there can la-…” The incoming signal was cut short for a moment, as a voice echoed into the lower compartment of the Thunderhawk. “Captain Vogus. We have established a channel with Imperial Control on Vyriem. I shall patch through communications to the lower compartments.”

In this lower compartment, another black and silver marine looked up at the mention of his name. Half of his face replaced with cybernetics, purity seals adorning various parts of his outfit, an iron halo perching from his backpack and a Crux Terminatus built into his adorned right boot. His right shoulder was pitchblack like his armor, and had the image of a white hand on it; the symbol of the Iron Hands chapter.“Very well, brother Marniel. Maintain our approach, but do not aim for a specific landing site yet.”“Yes, captain.”

A click and some static followed through the speakers leading into the cargo area. “Imperial Control. This is Watch-Captain Vogus of the Ordo Xenos’ Chamber Militant. We require a communications channel with the officer in command of the defense of Vyriem so we ascertain a proper landing site.”“M-my lord…. I’m sorry. We have lost communications with General Faren since he joined the 26th Marchionn Regiment en route to the space port.”“What is the status of the space port?”“32nd Marchionn Regiment was being overrun by a rok which had crashed nearby. Many of our planetary defenses had been disabled before the ork attack, so we have not been able to destroy all of the incoming ork aircraft.”

Vogus took a moment to think. “Confirming the status of the commanding officer, as well as securing the space port should be a priority. Flight Lieutenant. What do you deem the closest suitable landing site for a Thunderhawk?”“Near the Space Port… Erm…”

Silence followed, but Vogus simply gazed ahead of himself.Finally, the voice came back. “The space port itself is mostly obliterated by the rok’s impact. But Marrowel Forum is just to the north of it. It’s a large open square. Last reports noted only a small number of orks roaming the area.”“That will suffice. Return to your duties, Flight Lieutenant.”“Y-yes, my lord! And thank you!”

And with that, the vox channel was cut off. “Brother Marniel. Did you read that?”“Affirmative, Captain. En route to Marrowel Forum now. Arrival in approximately ten minutes.”

Vogus gave a single not to that, before turning around to look over the other marines in the Thunderhawk.

“We will attempt to land at Marrowel Forum and clear the area of any present greenskins. If we are able to secure the area enough, we will secure a new landing site for additional reinforcements there. Our top priority however is to maintain course south and head for Vyriem’s space port. We shall clear any Ork that stand between us and securing that area, aswell as checking the status of the General leading this defense. If he has fallen, we will find the next in line of command and get the intelligence we need to move out further."

He turned to the Ultramarine, Salamanders and Black Shield Sternguards. “Brother Tullius. Brother Agrast. Brother Ruhr. You three shall take point upon landing. Clear any orks in sight.”He then turned to the Blood Angel and Brazen Minotaurs Vanguard. “Brother Castaigne. Brother Menelaos. Once our Sternguard brothers have cleared the initial area, I want you two to take to the sky and clear our any entrenched orks we may find. Prioritise their heavy weapons if they are present.”He then turned to the single Devastator Marine present, a Dark Angel. “Brother Urgaine. Once the fighting begins, nearby orks are sure to be drawn to us. While our brothers focus upon the currently present orks, you and I shall mow down any Orcs that are drawn in. Do not pay heed to stragglers climbing out of ditches or down from buildings. Mow down tides of orks coming down the streets onto the Forum.”He then turned to the final two members present, a Sternguard from the Imperial Fists and an Apothecary from the Novamarines. “Brother Korik. Brother Odrius. Provide covering fire. Make sure no ork manages to get the jump on us.”

The entire ship shook more violently. “Entering planetary atmosphere. Time to arrival: Three minutes.”“If you have any questions or concerns, ask them now. If not, then may the Emperor have mercy upon these fiends, for we shall not.” And with that said, placed his own black helmet on his head, bionic eye attached to its side, as well as laurels decorating the helmet itself.

Name: Brother Urgaine PatriksPosition: DevastatorTag: allUrgaine had made planet fall more times than he could recall but there was always something invigorating about it. The nervous voice of the flight Lt. on the planet informed them the situation was far more dire than they had originally thought. With an Orc rock having demolished the the space port by all reports. The greenskins were already swarming the area meaning that intel would obtained the up close and personal way. That was fine with Urgaine.

He cycled his heavy bolter one last time and watched the first of thousands of rounds click into place. Orcs were tough but nothing short of heavy tanks and foul demon beast stood up to the fire power he was carrying. Activating his signum the Dark Angel linked up with the rest of the unit. They may not have fought together before but they were still Space Marines all and the link would make them an even deadlier force. As the Captain spoke Urgaine grunted to himself. It was common practice for leaders unfamiliar with their men to tell them what they already knew. Urgaine just hoped Capt. Vogus was being thorough and not belittling. He had known captains who constantly addressed their men as if it was their first planet fall. Leaders like that got old fast.

He knew little of the men around him but all must be well tested brothers and all from different chapters. This team would be versatile if nothing else. Urgaine double checked his landing supports and looked over his newly painted armor. It was an honor to be chosen for the Deathwatch. His time in their service would bring more honor to his chapter and he. Locking his helmet tight and checking his power level on his armor he gave the Captain a nod of understanding and waited for the door to drop open once touching down.

Looking at the one known as Agrast "Why must the Orcs be green? It is as if they were bred to be an insult to our chapters is it not?"

Castaigne turned on his powerclaws, causing blue lightning to flicker in and out. He did not like the orders but he was not about to argue. He was pretty sure that Vanguard Veterans were called that because they were the first into the fight, not last. Well, it all happened before, many, many times. Nothing new or exiting. Just some orks overrunning some tactical objective. Blah Blah Blah..What could possibly go wrong??

As he chanted prayers Reclusiarch told him before he left for Deathwatch, Castaigne looked around at other team members. Nothing unusual, some assault, a lot sternguard. "Too bad we do not have a librarian with us.."

Following Brother Urgaine's example, Castaigne activated his vox to stay in touch with the rest of men.

Name: Brother Tullius ValeranPosition: SternguardTag: allTullius readied his Stalker Pattern Bolter, chambering a round and silently acknowledging the weapon's spirit. It had served him well and would surely continue to do so in the battles ahead. The flamer hanging at his side was less remarkable, but still a vital part of Tullius' war gear, in case the enemy should assault with too much force for him to repel with the precision fire of his bolter, the cleansing promethium would make them regret closing with the seasoned Ultramarine. Not that orks could understand things such as regret. The simple minded orks would be a perfect enemy for the newly formed kill team's shakedown mission.

As Tullius looked around at the astartes that he would be calling his battle brothers for the foreseeable future, he was glad to see that they were all veterans of their respective chapters, just as he'd expected. Tullius was certain the group of seasoned warriors would be operating perfectly as a single unit by the end of their first mission, at least he hoped they would. Tullius donned his helmet as orders were given, linking his helmet vox with the rest of the unit as Tullius prepared himself mentally for combat.

"My Duty, to the Deathwatch. My Life, for the Imperium. My Chapter, no more. With bolt and plasma are justice served. In service are my sins measured. I am the Black shield that protects humanity. By my sacrifice can mankind endure. Brother Ruhr sat in contemplation, helmet on since boarding the Thunderhawk. Saying one of the many pre-battle oaths of the Black Shields. His vox set to receive so that non but the commander may hear his utterings. He had just finished when Watch-Captain Vogus announced that they were entering the atmosphere.

"Acknowledged, Watch-Captain" he said switching the vox in his helmet to transmit/receive. He reached down and unclipped the Plasma pistol from the mag-lock on his leg. Checking the temperamental weapon over and ensuring that the plasma feeds were properly connected before connecting it back to his leg. He then picked up his combi-bolter and made sure the breach of the bolter was clear and the action was smooth. Finally he checked that the melta mounted on top was loaded and functioning. If the Orks had a foothold that was claimed. Their crazed tech creators, or Mekaninks as they were called would have begun construction on vehicles and maybe even a bastardized version of the hallowed dreadnoughts. Regardless the blessed power of the Meltgun would reduce whichever they faced into so much slag. As the Watch-Captain relayed the deployment orders he readied his weapon and prepared to move out and engage the enemy.

The Salamanders Marine, Agrast, glanced over at Urgaine momentarily, before scoffing audibly. “What color these wretches are is of no concern to me, as long as they are dead.” He then turned towards the hatch in the back of the Thunderhawk, holding himself ready for the order.

Suddenly, the entire ship shook again, only this time, it felt like it was from an impact of some kind. The shaking never stopped either, the entire ship constantly rumbling.“Brother Marniel. Status?” Captain Vogus spoke up, after which the vox leading to the back part of the ship crackled to life. “The orks seem to have taken over gun emplacements near the space port. They are opening fire upon us.”Vogus’ eyes narrowed, before speaking up again. “Go for evasive tactics. Make way to the forum and take out any orks disrupting the area and the landing site.”“Yes, Captain.”However, Vogus was already walking to the back of the ship, before reaching for a switch on the side, pulling it as a siren went off, paired with the noise of heavy metal grinding open, coming from the back hatch of the ship opening up, revealing a ruined city with constant firefights.

Vogus just calmly stood there, peering down into the city as they soared over it, slowing down gradually as they slipped out of range of the Imperial Flak Cannons. “Forward advance. On my signal, leap out of the Thunderhawk. Vanguards, you shall follow suit. We shall cover you from up here until the forum has been cleared enough for the Thunderhawk to make landfall."

He turned around to face his Kill-Team again. Brother Agrast checked his Combi-Melta once more as he marched up the opening. Brother Menelaos checked his chainsword over again, giving Tullius and Ruhr the space needed to make for the rear hatch.

Finally, the Thunderhawk flew over a more open area, with ruined statues in honor of the Emperor of Man reduced to nothing but rubble. Ork boyz swarmed the area, but in smaller numbers than some of the previous locations they flew over. “Up dere! Spaise Mareens! Get’em!” One of the orks bellowed out as they aimed their flimsy shootas for the aircraft. Agrast already opened fire from his position, taking out a few orks already. Soon, the Thunderhawk hovered down until about one story off of the ground. “Forward, brothers!” Vogus called out, making room for the initial three Sternguard to move out, and then the two Vanguard.

Brother Agrast was the first to go, leaping out of the Thunderhawk without hesitation, as his heavy boots crashed down into the broken up pavement of the forum, unleashing bolter fire on his way down. However, as the Sternguard would make their exit, heavy gunnery began to fire at them. On a number of nearby ruined buildings, Ork Lootas set up their own custom Shoota, and even some Rokkitboyz launched a haphazardly barrage of missiles, which slammed into the Thunderhawk’s side.

Vogus’ voice thundered through the Vox. “Brother Castaigne. Brother Menelaos. Prioritise those Heavy Artillery troops. Keep their fire off of the Thunderhawk.”

Vogus’s words weren’t even cold yet as Menelaos jumped out of the Thunderhawk, before his jumppack fired up, launching the Marine skyward, straight for one of the ruined buildings from which a Rokkitboy had fired his barrage. “For Minos, and the Emperor! To hell with you, greenskin!”And with the following chorus of splatters and orkish grunts, the alien’s torso was severed.

Down on the ground, Orks closed in on the Sternguard, forcing Brother Argast to switch weapons, hanging his Combi-Melta from his belt as he brought up his Flamer, unleashing a torrent of fire upon the Orks.

Up in the ship, Vogus rose his Stormbolter up, unleashing a hailstorm of bullets towards a street which had more troops pouring forth aswell. “Brother Urgaine. Move down to join our Sternguard brothers, aswell. Make sure to stem flow of Orks.”With that said, Vogus stepped out of the ship aswell, plummeting down with a harsh thud, as he single-handedly wielding his Stormbolter, gunning down encroaching orks, as the last two Battle-Brothers, Brother Korik and Brother Odrius stepped forward to the hatch, providing covering fire from above, mostly aiming to keep Orks off of Urgaine and Vogus.

Finally, the moment has come. With a roar amplified by his respirator Castaigne fired his jump pack, flying at one of the nearby building from which some Lootas opened fire. He exilerated in his flight, trying to dodge bullets aimed at him and looking forward to letting some greenskin blood flow free. "Suffer Not The Alien to Live!!"

Tullius stood as the hatch opened, surveying the ruined landscape below. As the order was given to disembark, he jumped out of the vessel behind Agrast, letting loose precision semi-automatic fire from his bolter even as his heavy boots crashed into the ground. Even as the Thunderhawk ws pelted with gunfire, Tullius pursued his objective single mindedly, trusting that every astartes would fulfil their assigned role and that the gun positions would be dealt with.

As Agrast swapped to his flamer, Tullius took up position beside him, firing his weapon, delivering blessed bolts into the heads of any orks lucky enough to escape the cone of flaming promethium.

As the hatch opened and the sights, sounds and smells of battle filled his senses. Both his hearts began to speed up in preparation for the battle to come. As Captain Vogus gave the order to disembark into a combat drop. Ruhr activated his external vox to full. "FOR THE EMPEROR!" He yelled launching himself out into the air. As he landed on one knee causing a small crater from the impact. As he stood he brought his combi-bolter up to his shoulder in one fluid motion. He strode forwards to the firing line, the inbuilt targeter in his helmet washing the landscape with red contact icons. With practised precision he loosed bolt after bolt single-shot into the greenskins. Each bolt detonating within skulls or torsos with satisfying results. One particularly resilient Ork made it to the firing line, one arm ending with a bloody stub where one of his Bolts had removed the limb at the elbow."Chip U GUD 'Umie! It screamed in extremely basic gothic as it swung a cleaver that wouldn't look out of place on a Dreadnought at his head. Ruhr swayed back from the blow causing it to miss him by a hairs breath. Ruhr lowered his aim and put a bolt in the Orks knee, severing the limb and causing the Ork to fall to the ground with a cry of rage and pain. He put one final bolt into the things head and resumed his firing line.

Name: Brother Urgaine PatriksPosition: DevastatorTag: allUrgaine watched as his new Deathwatch brothers left the vessel to the battle field below. Stepping into the open hatch he surveyed the area mapping it into his signum. The ship rocked once again as if to remind him of the urgency of leaving. Taking the hint he picked a spot and lept to the ground below instantly sweeping his heavy bolter toward the main roadway. switching his vox over to full squad. "Signum feeding to you now." his vision exploded into a massive array of troop movements and vox signals. His squad mates were feeding to him which was compiled and resent as a full map of the local battlefield.

Already he could see the mass of orcs feeding into the area, drawn no doubt by their arrival. Moving to a piece of broken building, which had landed in the open, Urgaine pointed the barrel of his heavy bolter at the closest mass of greenskins. Beneath his helmet a fraction of a grin curled the edge of his lip as his hand squeezed the trigger. In an instant a hail of massive explosive rounds was pouring forth. That there were once orcs in the area would require a medic to prove it as little was left but a field of orc blood misted over it. A cloud of orc blood hung in the air as Urgaine cycled his chamber and moved to his next location of fire.